Yamaha Special Junior Advanced Course - Discussion

[gigue]

Hi Busymom,


Thanks for your sharing!
Agree with you, the songs are well-written and the sound quality of the CD is good (to me it's important, because a cheap quality recording sounds really awful).

Personally, I think the life of any music class begins with the teacher. If the teacher is engaging, interesting, enthusiastic and, quite important on my list, able to manage a class of young 3-4 year olds, then, the learning is enjoyable. My boy's ex-teacher was a nice lady, however, I found that she is a bit too gentle to handle the boisterous-ness of some of the students.

gigue
http://all-things-piano.blogspot.com

[radiantmum]

My kid is successful in the JSAC audition - just got the notification post today. But was informed that classes will only start tentatively november after next batch of auditions. I wonder how long this will be delayed if they don’t get the minimal number of students to form the class.


Anyone knows if both the individual and group classes are to be all in Plaza Singapura? So far, are they on weekends or weekdays? I am more concern about logistics problem on weekday.

[acforfamily]

radiantmum:

My kid is successful in the JSAC audition - just got the notification post today. But was informed that classes will only start tentatively november after next batch of auditions. I wonder how long this will be delayed if they don't get the minimal number of students to form the class.


Anyone knows if both the individual and group classes are to be all in Plaza Singapura? So far, are they on weekends or weekdays? I am more concern about logistics problem on weekday.

Congratulations!
Group class is on weekend at PS. Indiv class must be on a weekday and can be a few locations depending on availability of teachers.

.............................................................
http://www.musicbookstrade.blogspot.com/

[Busymom]

Hi radiantmum, congratulations!


Do you know how many got selected along with you daughter?

Is your daughter suppose to continue with JXC in the meantime while waiting for the Nov class to start?

[radiantmum]

Thxs acforfamily for the info & indeed very encouarging to find endorsements from parents & ex-students for this couse - i need that level of motivation to shuttle kiddo to and fro class and the thought of weekday rush is a BIG dread.


Hi Busymom, sorry I only receive notification via post and it did not state the # of ppl that were selected for the course and how many went in the first place to this audition round. We are supposed to wait for next notification on the orientation/details. Yes, till then, we were encouraged to continue with current JXC. Hope this helps.

[Busymom]

Hi radiantmum,


Could you also share what is being tested in the FSS test? My DD would only be taking that next year, but KS me want to find out more. Thanx!

[radiantmum]

Sure. In FSS, you get to select the songs to play, sing, harmonise from JMC course. You will then need to submit you/your kid’s choice of selection in the form prior to FSS. By the way you will need to pay for FSS - can’t remember exact but <$50.


The following skills were tested :-
1. Playing - play 2 repertoire (choice of electone or piano)
2. Reading - Identify & read notes (limited to the pc played earlier)
3. Singing
4. Memory singing
5. Listening - Identify chords (only 1 series)
6. Creating - play own accompaniment/LH chords

There is no fail or pass - it is just an evaluation ie survey of skills learnt during the 1st 2 years. Results were grouped simply as good, solid and excellent.

[honeystar]

I’ve just enrolled my gal to the Yamaha JMC, can anybody share is it a MUST to buy the electone now? A brand new set form Yamaha cost abt $3K+, anywhere if I could get a 2nd hand set? What about the materials like CD and DVD?

[Busymom]

Thanks, radiantmum, for the info. Another 3 questions on the FSS test:


1. Is the test taken on a group or individual basis?
2. Who conducts the test, the teacher of the student or someone else from Yamaha?
3. The two repertoire to be played for the test, could be from any of the 4 books used during the two years?

Sorry for asking so many questions.

[radiantmum]

Hi Busymom, on FSS test


1. Individual
2. There'll be an independent assessor. Own teacher will be present.
3. I believe only book 3 & 4 have repertoire (ie both hands playing) but yes can be selected from any songs learnt from JMC.

Hi Honeystar,

For Yamaha Junior Course, kids are only required to make a choice from electone or piano after Yr 4/JXC. Typically parents are not certain about the sustainability of kids' interest so most would want to buy a reasonable keyboard first (cheaper) before they make the heavier financial commitment. Check out the other threads on piano selection - they have more info / advice from other parents.

2nd hand CD/DVD/materials - I still have mine (all in excellent condition) and if you want to PM me to make a reasonable offer I can perhaps let go